Category: Crime and Punishment

R. Kelly has been an R&B superstar for two decades, with hit songs such as “I Believe I Can Fly” and “I Wish,” and winning several music awards, including three Grammys. But while Kelly has enjoyed mainstream success, throughout his career, he has been plagued by allegations of sexual involvement with underage girls and inappropriate, abusive relationships with women and girls.

Recently, the documentary miniseries “Surviving R. Kelly” was released on Lifetime, discussing allegations of Kelly’s sexual misconduct, including more recent allegations that he keeps women and girls captive in an abusive “sex cult.” The documentary featured interviews with several accusers, family members of alleged victims, former business and personal associates, and family members.

R. Kelly has not been convicted of any crime related to the sexual misconduct and abuse allegations, and he has denied all accusations.

In this episode, Jaye discusses the R. Kelly documentary with her brother, the author of Gods of Life and co-owner of Shining Otaku Comics, Ervin Johnson II. Jaye and Ervin talk about Kelly’s history, the #MeToo movement, and women’s empowerment. The episode also includes a “palate cleanser” segment where they discuss manga (Japanese comics), Shining Otaku Comics, and Gods of Life.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes discussion of sexual assault, child molestation, and domestic violence. Listener discretion is advised.

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When most Americans think of late civil rights icon Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we often picture a unifying Christian minister who used non-violence to advance his dream of racial equality in the United States. But in death, has Dr. King been whitewashed?

In the final installment of this two-part series, Jaye provides an overview of Dr. King’s transformation – from “outside agitator” to “colorblind civil rights icon.” She examines the making of a hero in the American consciousness, and how willful distortion of Dr. King’s legacy served a political and social purpose. Is our society that different today than the society of the 1960s? And how has the “rehabilitated” King given the United States an easy out from its original sin of racism?

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Welcome to 2019! It’s a new year, and Jaye ushers it in with her thoughts on the government shutdown and the Wall, advice for the Democratic Party regarding the 2020 presidential election, and a read on Vice President Mike Pence.

What makes Mike Pence worse than Donald Trump, and why would a Pence presidency be worse for the United States than Trump remaining in office?

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It’s time to get into the spirit of the holidays! In this year’s “War on Christmas” holiday special – Jaye is joined by her husband Chuckles as they react to strange stories and answer listener questions. Jaye waxes poetic about KFC on an open fire while Chuckles reveals something in this episode that even Jaye didn’t know about him. Listen now!

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The 2018 midterm elections are here! In this episode, Jaye talks midterm predictions, the Voting Rights Act, Millennials and Gen Z, and voter suppression. Jaye also discusses a major think tank responsible for the current Republican agenda, and which supplies the manpower behind GOP presidents from Ronald Reagan to Donald Trump. Why does this organization have a vested interest in subverting democracy? Can the American people overcome the anti-democratic measures of right-wing politicians and save this country?

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What if the religious extremism Americans should be most concerned about comes from Christianity? In this episode, Jaye explores the authoritarian, extremist elements of American evangelicalism and the overwhelming support of Donald Trump by white evangelical Christians. Jaye also discusses the Quiverfull movement, the increasing emphasis on authoritarianism and control within evangelical Christian colleges, dominionism, racial reconciliation, evangelical support for Donald Trump’s inhumane policies, and parallels between right-wing evangelicalism and ultra-conservative Islam.

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With the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the US Supreme Court by Donald Trump, many pro-life Americans are rejoicing at the pick. Their hope is that Kavanaugh’s elevation to the Court will signal the end of Roe v. Wade, the US Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide. Jaye explores the question – what will happen if Roe is set aside by the US Supreme Court? Will this achieve the goal of ending abortion, or is that truly the goal? And – to Americans who are staunchly pro-life regarding abortion, is symbolism more important than the outcome of protecting life?

Also – Jaye shares her experiences attending the Families Belong Together Rally in Cincinnati, Ohio. This was one of many around the country protesting the Trump Administration’s immigration policies, including the policy of family separation at the US-Mexico Border. More here.

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